Police assure the person in the CCTV image is 'not in any kind of trouble'GMP

Police investigating the rape of a woman at a John Lewis car park in Manchester have released CCTV image of a possible witness. A woman in her late 20s was attacked in the car park in Cheadle at around 7pm on 28 August.

The woman was pulled away from her car and dragged into nearby bushes during the attack. The suspect ran off in the directions towards Wilmslow Road.

Police have now released a CCTV image a person walking across the John Lewis overflow car park at approximately the same time the offence took place. Officers are now hoping to speak to the person in the image as they may have "vital information" which could assist in their investigation. They have also released an updated e-fit of the suspect in the rape.

Detective Inspector Roger Edwards from Greater Manchester Police's Stockport Division said: "Since this attack was reported to us, we have been doing everything in our power to try and trace the man responsible.

"We have been offering all the support we can to the young lady that was raped, who is understandably devastated by what has happened to her. However, she has courageously been working closely with police to help us with our enquiries as much as she can and we now have an updated e-fit of the suspect that we are issuing to the public."

The attacker is described as an Asian man, approximately 40 years old, medium build, with black hairGMP

"Through CCTV enquiries, we have also identified a possible witness we would like to speak to, that was in the car park at the same time the attack took place. The individual, possibly a woman, is wearing a light-coloured top and dark trousers and carrying what appears to be a handbag.

"I would like to reassure this individual in the CCTV image that you are not in any kind of trouble. But we are eager to speak with you as you may have vital information that could assist our investigation."

The suspect is described as an Asian man, approximately 40 years old, medium build, with black hair, heavily pock-marked and open-pored skin on his face, with a thick black monobrow, who was wearing black jogging bottoms at the time.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police at Stockport on 0161 856 9770 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.